Norwalk Furniture Promotes Bev Leibold and Jeff Gross

Furniture World Magazine

Norwalk Furniture Corp., a leading manufacturer and retailer of custom upholstered furniture, announces the promotion of Bev Leibold and Jeff Gross. Leibold, who has held such positions as purchasing agent and fabric and leather inventory manager at Norwalk, will now become director of global sourcing. Gross will move from the production development team to executive director of operations. “Bev brings 30-plus years of experience to her new position, and Jeff, 18,” says Rick McKirahan, president, Norwalk Furniture Corp. Both Leibold and Gross have been with the company for a combined tenureship of nearly 30 years—Leibold has been with Norwalk for nine years, and Gross, all of 18. Prior to joining the Norwalk team, Leibold spent 21 years in purchasing and procurement at Fannie Farmer’s candy company; Leibold made the move to Norwalk’s fabric and procurement department, serving as a purchasing agent and then, fabric and leather inventory manager. “Bev has done an outstanding job managing our procurement process and inventories,” says McKirahan, “and, has ensured, time and again, that we have the highest quality fabrics and leathers available for our customers.” Gross will oversee operations, including manufacturing, product development and engineering, as well as the warehouse and other facilities. His primary focus, however, is operations enhancements, process improvement, synchronization between development and manufacturing, and, notes McKirahan, “driving product design and quality to even higher levels.” “Jeff has an extensive background in upholstery, sewing, cutting, process improvement, new product development and design, as well as new brand introductions, particularly associated with our celebrity designers,” says McKirahan. Gross played a key role in style, comfort and design transformations over the past year at Norwalk. “We’re confident that his broad experience, dedication to progress, leadership and commitment will enable him to provide significant contributions in his new role.” Prior to his promotion, Gross held such key titles as upholstery team leader, cutting team leader, J. Raymond team leader, process engineer and director of product development. ________________ For more information on Norwalk Furniture, the leader in custom upholstered seating, go to www.norwalkfurniture.com.